Targa questions

Having found a lucky buyer for my 95 Carrera 4, I'm poised to buy a mint 2002 Targa ... silver/black, 18" Carrera rims, PSM, xenons, carbon shifter/ebrake, heated seats, clean Carfax ... 45k miles, Porsche Certified till 2-08. What's a ballpark figure on this car? Curious about Targa owners' perceptions; I've owned numerous coupes and cabs, including a 99 996 Cab and several old-school 911SC and 3.2 Carrera Targas. I drive my 911s year-round and this seems like a good compromise between open-air and coupe for winter use in New England. I was about to buy an M3 cabriolet because I needed more trunk space than a regular 911 offers, but the hatchback on the Targa will fit my needs (guitar equipment). A 996 cab with a hardtop isn't a good option for me as I live in a condo and have no place to keep it. Thoughts?

i am guessing 50-52k but targa is hard to find. not many sold bc it's a 1/2 *** open air car that looses the classic c pillar profile without a gain. why not get a coupe and a beater to haul stuff if that'swhat you need.

As probably one of the 'newest' Targa purchasers I can only say I love my choice. Mine's a daily driver also and I love the airiness the glass roof provides when closed and the no buffeting open roof experience when I choose to do that. The hatch has already proved its worth too. Nice feature. For reference, mine is an '02, std. 17s, PSM, Xenons, Full leather F/R, full pwr seats L/R, carbon shifter and park brake, htd. seats with 30K miles, no extended warranty, needed new tires and 30K service, purchased from an independent dealer for $44,500 three weeks ago. Good luck! I think you'll love it. PM me with any additional questions, but I'm sure you'll get other enthusiastic responses. Regards, Piccia

I second the pro-Targa vote. Interestingly, several of the guys that work at my local Porsche dealership, that see 911's all day long, say it's their hands down favorite of the normally aspirated cars.

Can't really help with the U.S. pricing, but I can tell you that I love my targa. Roof open and windows down it gives a great open air experience. Can close it at highway speeds and locks up tight at your destination. My other half is not at all a fan of cabs so that was not so much of an option. The rear hatch feature simply makes the car so much more useful. One edition of Excellence opined that Porsche should consider making it standard on all hardtop models. For me bringing my better half and golf clubs or sons and ball gear is an important aspect. As far as handling (re. the top heavy "issue"), I'm certainly not the world's best / most experienced driver, but the car still exceeds my ability and I certainly don't notice it. You won't be disappointed or with any other 911 for that matter. Decide what's important to you and go for it. Good luck.